zeitlich
time-related
Relating to time; concerning time.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen den zeitlichen Rahmen für das Projekt genau festlegen.
We need to define the time frame for the project precisely.
zeitlich
temporal / time-related
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Meanings
zeitlich
temporary
Valid or existing for a limited duration; temporary.
EXAMPLE
Die Anstellung ist zunächst zeitlich auf ein Jahr befristet.
The employment is initially limited in time to one year.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'zeitlich' (temporal/time-related) is derived from the noun 'die Zeit' (time). The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective with the meaning 'concerning time'.
EXAMPLE
Können wir die Besprechung zeitlich etwas nach vorne verschieben?
Can we move the meeting a little earlier in terms of time?
Adjective and adverb
'Zeitlich' can stand before a noun as an adjective or describe a verb or another adjective as an adverb. As an adverb, it remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Der zeitliche Abstand zwischen den beiden Ereignissen war gering.
The time interval between the two events was short.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'concerning time', 'zeitlich' is often used in fixed combinations, for example 'der zeitliche Ablauf' (the chronological sequence), 'die zeitliche Reihenfolge' (the chronological order), or 'unter zeitlichem Druck stehen' (to be under time pressure).
EXAMPLE
Bitte bringen Sie die Dokumente in die richtige zeitliche Reihenfolge.
Please put the documents in the correct chronological order.
Typical collocations
When 'zeitlich' means 'temporary', it very often appears together with participles such as 'begrenzt' (limited) or 'befristet' (fixed-term/limited in duration). This combination is typical for contracts and formal announcements.
EXAMPLE
Das Jobangebot ist zeitlich auf sechs Monate begrenzt.
The job offer is limited to six months.
Compare with
zeitlich vs vorübergehend
temporary
Vorübergehend directly describes a state that is not permanent and can stand on its own with a closure. Zeitlich can also express a limited duration, but here it is usually combined with a word such as „begrenzt“ (limited). That is why you say vorübergehend geschlossen, but zeitlich begrenzt.
zeitlich
Die Schließung des Museums wegen der Bauarbeiten ist zeitlich begrenzt.
The museum's closure because of construction work is limited in duration.
vorübergehend
Das Museum ist wegen der Bauarbeiten vorübergehend geschlossen.
The museum is temporarily closed because of construction work.
In real life
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